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Personally, I think that restaurants should provide a list of calories and fat grams on their menus. There are many people who try hard to limit the amount of calories or fat in their diets, and it would help to know these numbers when dining out. I think it would also benefit the restaurant; for the people would know that it's an establishment that cares about their health needs, and not just a place to dine, and take their money.

More importantly however, I believe that restaurants are contributing to some of the health problems in this country. The portions of food provided in most restaurants are absolutely ridiculous. Nobody needs a 12oz or 14oz or 16oz steak, why can't they offer a 4oz or 6oz steak? Food is in excess and so much of it is wasted. It would be healthier to provide delicious food in smaller quantities, where it can be enjoyed; so one doesn't have to leave the table stuffed and feeling excessively full, or having to carry the remainder home to be reheated. I also tend to believe that most people do not like to waste food, or money, so they will force themselves to eat it because it is provided.

I enjoy food, and I love going out to dine. What I do not like is the carryout box with leftovers. What I do not like is to waste the food in my plate because there is simply too much of it to eat. In my case, I have to do one or the other. Forget the idea of dessert, for there is never enough room to even look at the menu.

The point is, there are far too many over weight people in this country, and I seriously believe, it isn't simply the calories and fat, it is due to the portions in which people choose to eat or in the case of going to a restaurant, forced to eat. I myself know people who will open a big bag of potato chips and eat the entire bag. There is no restraint, no desire to leave some for tomorrow or the next day. Why do people gorge themselves, should perhaps be the question here, but that is an entirely different issue. I contend it is much healthier to eat small meals and small snacks to provide good healthy nutrition. Yes, one can have potato chips, but why not just a hand full? So many people like chocolate, so yes, one can buy a chocolate bar, but why can't it last a week, where perhaps after dinner you have a slice and put the rest away?

Diets would not be so hard if people learned how to eat (not only properly and nutritiously) but if they did so by portions. I also contend that nobody needs a huge amount of food to be satisfied and healthy. So yes, I think if people knew the amount of calories and or fat they were eating, it just might help them to make the proper decision on what to eat and what not to eat.

Learn more about this author, Nancy Browne.
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